Anti-Tank Pimples, Broomfield Road, Chelmsford

These anti-tank pimples would have formed the roadside element of a barrier across Broomfield Road from Nos. 173/175 on the W. side to, probably, No.150 on the E side. Across the carriageway itself, there would almost certainly have been a moveable socket-and-railway-line barrier. Anti-tank pimples were cones of concrete, generally 2' 6" high x 3' (0.75 - 0.9 m) across their base. With a concrete footing, they were designed to be 'permanently' positioned.

Year of construction

1940

Accessibility

Good

Contemporary records state, "6 Concrete Pimples, Spring View Stores, Broomfield Rd. Map ref. 151268" and "2 Concrete Pimples, 'Ringwood', Broomfield Rd. Map ref. 151268". These anti-tank pimples would have formed the roadside element of a barrier across Broomfield Road from Nos. 173/175 on the W. side to, probably, No.150 on the E side. Across the carriageway itself, there would almost certainly have been a moveable socket-and-railway-line barrier. Anti-tank pimples were cones of concrete, generally 2' 6" high x 3' (0.75 - 0.9 m) across their base. With a concrete footing, they were designed to be 'permanently' positioned.

The six pimples at 'Spring View Stores', No. 173, originally survived in situ on waste ground, half covered in soil and growth although the southernmost pimple could be clearly seen. . The two which stood in the front garden of No. 175 completed the staggered six-row pattern which probably continued to the roadside. These two appear not to have survived although their remains may lie beneath the soil in the garden. It is not known what form the barrier took on the E. side of Broomfield Road.

More recently 'Spring View Stores' and 'Ringwood' were demolished but the pimples still survived, preserved in situ as part of the redevelopment frontage of a new apartment block. Here, they stand in their own gravelled, raised area facing Broomfield Road. Discussion at the development stage between the developer, Chelmsford Borough Council and the Heritage Conservation branch of Essex County Council, led to the sympathetic preservation and presentation of these anti-tank pimples, locally rare survivors from World War Two.